Social Security: What YOU Need to Know
https://youtu.be/Dvb7u2_pglo Social Security is one of the most talked about and misunderstood parts of retirement planning. For many federal employees nearing retirement, online discussions, headlines, and casual advice can create confusion or unnecessary worry. Understanding what’s true and what’s not can help you make smarter decisions about your benefits. Common Questions Federal Employees Ask It’s […]
#144 Finish 2025 Strong, Start 2026 Smarter: Federal Retirement Planning
Listen to the Full Episode: As the year closes, federal employees can’t afford to miss critical planning opportunities that protect their retirement and avoid costly mistakes. In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast, Micah Shilanski, Wealth Advisor, and Luke Eberly, Wealth Advisor, break down real-world, end-of-year action items they are actively […]
Social Security: The Bridge Strategy!
https://youtu.be/9rU64rw2cbU When you hear the word “bridge,” you probably picture the Golden Gate or Brooklyn Bridge, not your retirement income. For federal employees, though, a bridge strategy can be a valuable way to help make sure you don’t outlive your money and to make better choices about when to start Social Security. A bridge strategy […]
#143 Tax-Saving Strategies for the Year-End: What You Need to Do Now
Listen to the Full Episode: A year-end retirement checkup is one of the most valuable things a federal employee can do, and most never take the time to complete it. In this episode, Micah and Floyd Shilanski review the critical planning areas federal employees should revisit before entering 2026, including cash flow analysis, tax […]
Viral Finance: Should You Trust Trends?
https://youtu.be/aXGJ0TL-QC4 From Magazines To TikTok Financial “trends” are nothing new; only the platforms have changed. Decades ago, investors chased the latest ideas from glossy money magazines and weekly newsletters, often reshuffling mutual funds or allocations every time a new “must-do” strategy hit the stands. Today, viral videos, short reels, and flashy social posts have taken […]
#142 Year End – What Planning You Need to Do
Listen to the Full Episode: Year-end is one of the most strategic times for Federal Employees to review their financial picture, retirement timeline, and tax exposure. In this episode, Micah Shilanski, CFP®, and John Raleigh, CFP®, walk you through the essential steps you should take before December 31st to stay on track and avoid […]
Is YOUR Social Security Taxable?
https://youtu.be/xIjeO–32Lc Most federal employees are surprised to learn that up to 85% of their Social Security benefits may be taxable in retirement. In this episode, Floyd Shilanski, Wealth Advisor, explains how Social Security taxation works, what counts as “provisional income,” and why proper planning is essential to avoid unexpected tax bills. This is a critical […]
FERS Pension Going Down in 2026
https://youtu.be/M_e4Sfc8vvk We’re all feeling the impact of inflation. Groceries, gas, utilities… everything costs more. Unfortunately, federal retirees may soon feel it even more directly. For many, their FERS pension income will actually go down in 2026. Let’s break down why that’s happening and what you can do about it. Rising Health Insurance Costs Hit Hard […]
#141 Furloughed! What Federal Employees Can Do When Paychecks Stop
Listen to the Full Episode: In this episode of Plan Your Federal Retirement, Jamie C. Shilanski, RFC®, talks about one of the most stressful situations federal employees face: a furlough. Whether this is your first or fifth time experiencing one, Jamie breaks down practical, real-world strategies to help you stay financially stable, protect your […]
Wait, FEHB Is Auto-Enrolling You in Medicare Part D? Here’s What You Need to Know
https://youtu.be/eMUJ7_5dMU0 Are Federal Employees Being Auto-Enrolled in Medicare Part D? If you’re enrolled in a Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) plan that now offers Medicare Part D coverage, you might be automatically enrolled when eligibleeven if you didn’t actively sign up. The question our advisors at Plan Your Federal Retirement are getting most often right […]
#140 What Federal Employees Are Really Asking About Retirement
Listen to the Full Episode: Ever wonder what questions other federal employees are asking as they plan for retirement? In this special episode, we’re taking you inside our recent in-person workshop, where we spent the day with federal employees diving deep into their benefits, tax planning, and retirement strategies. From understanding the 2026 TSP Roth […]
Do Trusts Pay Higher Taxes on Inherited TSPs and IRAs Than Individual Beneficiaries?
Real Question from a Federal Employee I am a widow and own an inherited TSP from my husband. Currently, I listed our Living Trust as primary beneficiary for the TSP. From what I’ve gathered recently, the trust is taxed the highest at around 40%. If this is true, would it be better to designate my […]